News

Ryan warns Labor against going soft on crime in Shepparton

24 March 2015

Member for Euroa and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Steph Ryan has warned the Andrews Labor Government against going soft on crime, following the release of crime statistics yesterday.

Ms Ryan said while the statistics showed a decrease in drug offences across the City of Greater Shepparton, both crimes against property and against the person had increased, including arson, burglary, assault, stalking and harassment.

“The number of offences of breaching orders has nearly doubled from 531 in 2012 to 945 in 2014, reflecting the increased focus police have placed on addressing family violence.

“Our local police do a great job in protecting our community but I am concerned resourcing will decline under the Andrews Labor Government.

“Labor refused to commit to employing additional police before the last election which will add pressure to local police endeavouring to address issues such as family violence.

“The growth in Melbourne’s outer suburbs could mean that police get pulled out of regional areas,” Ms Ryan said.

“Over the past four years, the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition employed an additional 1800 police, resulting in extra police in towns across the Euroa electorate,” Ms Ryan said.

“We went to last year’s election with a commitment to boost police numbers by a further 700 if re-elected.

“Rural and regional communities must not be left exposed as a result of Labor’s failure to keep up with population growth,” Ms Ryan said.

Ms Ryan said in government the Coalition had established the Crime Statistics Agency to provide confidence to the public and ensure the release of crime statistics was not politicised.

“The release of these statistics is the first under the independent new agency established by the Coalition,” Ms Ryan said.